US Bridges

Bear Gulch RD over Clark Fork River 002

Poor

Granite County, Montana · 1M NE Bearmouth · Structure no. L20009000+01001

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
170 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
130
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bear Gulch RD over Clark Fork River 002 is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying Bear Gulch RD over Clark Fork River 002 in Granite County, Montana. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 years old, younger than the Montana average of 47 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 130 vehicles a day, projected to reach 139 by 2043. The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

CarriesBear Gulch RD
CrossesClark Fork River 002
Location1M NE Bearmouth
RouteCounty Highway 20009
StateMontana
Coordinates46.71199, -113.33096
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating47 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length170 ft (51.8 m)
Longest span57 ft (17.4 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic130 (2023)
Projected traffic139 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bear Gulch RD over Clark Fork River 002 built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is Bear Gulch RD over Clark Fork River 002 in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in May 2024.

How much traffic does Bear Gulch RD over Clark Fork River 002 carry?

About 130 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is Bear Gulch RD over Clark Fork River 002?

The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long with a longest span of 57 ft (17.4 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Bear Gulch RD over Clark Fork River 002?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.